Published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) this book is unashamedly a core text book for the CIPD module of the same name. This drives the nature and style of the text which is quite clearly a learning and reference tool designed for both student and lecturer. Chapters are prefaced with learning outcomes and content is linked to the CIPD module objectives.
The book is presented in five parts, the first being an introduction, which provides us with an overview of leadership, management and the development of people and the last being a conclusion offering insight into the future of human resources and its contribution to this area. Part 2 focuses on the aims, objectives and contribution of Human Resource Management (HRM); part 3 discusses contemporary themes, including leadership, change, flexibility and the psychological contract and part 4 assesses effective practice and has chapters on organisational and job design, recruitment and selection, developing employees, managing the employment relationship and performance management.
Each chapter is nicely structured with features to assist and guide the reader, both students and those teaching the subject. Learning outcomes are clearly stated at the beginning of each chapter and the key points are outlined at the end to consolidate learning. A number of techniques have been employed to reinforce learning including review questions, reflective activities designed to apply learning to practice and a good range case studies from different sectors and different countries. Also included are “explore further” suggestions which signpost addition references and links to websites where readers are encouraged to “delve further” into their own areas of interest. There are web links to dedicated on-line resources, sourced by the CIPD for both learner and lecturer which might also be beneficial, but was not looked at by this reviewer.
The content of this book offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject areas, and is well referenced, as one would expect from a team of academic contributors. All writers and the editors are from the University of Portsmouth Business School. As this is an academic text book the style conforms to academic writing conventions with substantial referencing used throughout (plus an excellent reading list). The downside of this is that the natural flow of the text is interrupted and may not suit those who prefer more immediate access to the ideas being presented.
On a personal level I found parts of this book provided very useful reference material, however, as someone who does not work directly within a human resources department, some of the chapters were rather too focussed on HRM. Does this mean that this book only for the CIPD/HRM audience? Not necessarily. The combination of the classic and well accepted, with the new and recently published research makes this a valuable text for anyone working with the leadership and management of people regardless of their relationship to human resources. This book provides a solid and well-referenced introduction to the subject and has the advantage of offering new insights and an overview of contemporary themes. Yes it is focussed on the needs of the HRM/HRD professional, but there is sufficient material to make this book a valuable resource for anyone who leads and manages people.
The conclusion of this book states that all HRM professionals have a responsibility to embrace change and keep up to date with new initiatives. With the inclusion of contemporary ideas, case studies and research findings this book can help both those new to and those familiar with the subject of leading, managing and developing people to review and embellish their ideas from a new perspective.
